Società Ceirano Automobili Torino, or SCAT, was established in Turin by Giovanni Battista Ceriano in 1906. The company immediately set itself apart from its competition by its refined design, featuring shaft drive and an engine with camshaft-actuated overhead valves—both ahead of their time. While the company’s automobiles were of relatively moderate power, with the first models being of 12 HP, 16 HP, and 22 HP, SCAT saw impressive success in period competition. In fact, during the Teens, the company won the prestigious Targa Florio no fewer than three times, in 1911, 1912, and 1914.

Today, SCAT is little remembered, except by passionate enthusiasts who recognize these wonderful automobiles as some of the most technologically interesting and competitively successful cars built in Italy during the Brass Era.

The 18/30 HP model offered here is the first authentic SCAT to become available for public sale in many years. It features custom bodywork by Carrozzeria Fratelli Solaro, one of the most renowned Torino coachbuilders of this period, with folding occasional seats and an exceptionally comfortable rear seat. The design of the body features a full transom that wraps around both seats and the doors, giving the sensation of a dual-cockpit wooden boat, and forecasting future bodies used on Isotta Fraschini chassis. The attractive yellow and black paintwork is older and exhibits significant patina throughout, as does the leather upholstery, which shows cracking to the seat cushions. The car offers a full set of beautiful brass-plated brightwork, including the headlamps, scuttle lights, and radiator shell, while the wire wheels are finished in body colour.

A lovely example of this most historic Italian marque, this car is deserving of a fine home alongside other great Brass Era automobiles.